Claudia J. Kennedy was born on July 14, 1947 in Frankfurt, Germany. She rose effectively through the ranks and gained attention when she accused a fellow officer of sexual misconduct. The U.S. Army inspector general ruled on Kennedy's behalf in 2000, the year she retired.
Early Life of Claudia Kennedy
Lt. General Kennedy's father spent World War II in the infantry, stationed in the European Theater of Operations. In her autobiography, Generally Speaking, she talks about how her parents influenced her character and development. Referring to her mother, she wrote: "I clearly remember an afternoon when she made me aware that women could hold independent views on important issues."
General Kennedy majored in philosophy at what is now Rhodes College, and graduated in 1969. She was commissioned a second lieutenant the same year. She subsequently served in Germany and South Korea. Her military occupational specialty focused on cryptology and intelligence.
Claudia Kennedy's Work as a Spy
By her own account, Kennedy was trained at Fort Meade, Maryland, in the 1970's, in an intense program run by the National Security Agency. She wrote that it is sometimes known as "No Such Agency," pointing to the super-sensitive atmosphere promoted by the agency. During the next two decades, her various training programs and administrative duties helped to prepare her for what she was to face in the late 1990's.
Claims of Sexual Misconduct
On June 17, 1997, General Kennedy made history. She became the first woman to earn the rank of three-star general. In addition, she was named Army Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence. Two years later, she claimed that General Larry Smith tried to grope and kiss her. He was trying for an appointment to the inspector general's office, which was later withdrawn. In 2000, the office of inspector general ruled that General Smith did indeed victimize General Kennedy.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
General Kennedy has been a vocal critic of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. While she has been tactful and careful to respect all sides, her thoughts on the matter have been clear. As of this writing, U.S. President Obama has promised to end the policy but has presented no timetable.
A Decorated and Distinguished Career Comes to an End
General Kennedy was awarded the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. She endorsed Senator John Kerry in his 2004 run for President, and she also endorsed Senator Obama for his presidential run as well. Regarding suggestions she would give for women in the workplace, she wrote of the importance of women to "maintain a clear distance between their personal and professional identities."
Claudia Kennedy is an excellent example of female leadership and the conviction of individual principles.
Sources:
Kennedy, Claudia J. Generally Speaking. New York: Warner Books, Inc., 2001.
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